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Introducing the Evogrow: modular hydroponics tower system

Introducing the Evogrow: modular hydroponics tower system

Introducing the Evogrow by Paul Pack a Modular Hydroponic Water Tower – an innovative, fully 3D-printed solution for sustainable gardening. This versatile system is designed to maximize space efficiency and ease of use, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. Here’s what makes it unique:

  1. Modular Design: The tower consists of interlocking segments, allowing you to customize the height and capacity according to your needs. Each segment easily connects to the next, enabling effortless assembly and scalability.

  2. 3D-Printed Precision: Every component of the tower is 3D-printed using durable, eco-friendly materials. This ensures precise fit and functionality while reducing manufacturing waste.

  3. Efficient Water Distribution: The system is designed to use a single pump to circulate nutrient-rich water through the tower. The pump sends water to the top, which then trickles down through each module, ensuring all plants receive adequate hydration and nutrients.

  4. Space-Saving Vertical Growth: The vertical layout of the tower allows for maximum plant growth in minimal space. Ideal for urban gardening, patios, or any area with limited room.

  5. Easy Maintenance: With removable modules and straightforward access points, cleaning and maintaining your hydroponic system is simple. The design also includes built-in channels for excess water to drain, preventing waterlogging.

  6. Customizable Plant Holders: The tower features multiple slots for planting, each capable of holding a variety of plants. These holders can be adjusted or swapped out to accommodate different plant sizes and types.

  7. Sustainable and Automated: By integrating a timer with the pump, you can automate the watering schedule, reducing water usage and ensuring consistent plant care. The 3D-printed nature of the tower supports sustainable practices by using recyclable materials and minimizing waste.

Perfect for hobbyists and serious gardeners alike, the Modular Hydroponic Water Tower represents the future of home gardening – efficient, scalable, and entirely customizable.

submitted by /u/Beginning_Average140
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I developed a puzzle photo frame with a secret compartment for a gift

I developed a puzzle photo frame with a secret compartment for a gift

https://preview.redd.it/gs8i5qa3oq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=43d5cc119fb5f4b20bda75ff48ac8c1f3cba9948

In 2015, my friend received a handmade cardboard maze card as a wedding gift—a present that couldn't be opened without solving the puzzle. Eight years later, I redesigned this DIY project using a 3D printer. The result was a 3D-printed photo frame with a secret gift compartment and a long creation story.

First, a few words about the puzzle's design. The maze was a multi-layered structure. The bottom layer was a sturdy cardboard base; the middle layer was the maze itself, made of matches glued to cardboard; the top layer was thin plexiglass. The glass was covered with a sheet of paper with windows at the start and finish... To turn the lock, you'll need a pair of small magnets.

The original puzzle card

The author of the original card used a 200 by 300 mm cardboard sheet—too large for my 3D printer. Of course, I could have split the model into parts, but I thought this would negatively affect the aesthetics of the final product. At first, I decided to base it on the dimensions of the first card that caught my eye—120 by 160 mm.

The second notable change concerned the gift placement. The only thing that bothered me in the original card design was the envelope and the locking bar, which looked like a symbolic obstacle to accessing the envelope's contents. Instead, I wanted to create a container that could hold a note, money, and even a small souvenir.

I lacked the visual experience to come up with a successful solution right away, so I went online. A model of a rotary latch from Thingiverse helped me choose the working principle for the locking mechanism. To avoid creating a maze from scratch, I used an online service with a dozen maze generation algorithms.

Generated maze. The redder the cells, the harder they are to reach

The puzzle was based on the result of the Kruskal algorithm with minor modifications. The outcome was a quite decent maze, and there was even room left for a second slide. To place a magnet inside, I decided to make holes in the edge of the card.

https://preview.redd.it/42wfxq5aoq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=50687345b082eb3dd6e64724a3c0b8f7410cd334

I could have used wrapping paper, but when you have a 3D printer at your disposal, you want to use it to its full potential. So, I needed to frame the maze and create embossed patterns along the edges. Then it clicked in my head: I could cover the maze with a photograph and make a photo frame!

https://preview.redd.it/mtpafb9boq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=17f249e0a94c4a2ada2cab250b156acca490483a

I wouldn't have been able to model a beautiful frame on my own, but I soon found boothyboothy's work on cults3d. This frame doesn't look too ornate, is available in CAD format, and is distributed under an open license. I imported it into the project and adjusted the dimensions to fit the common 150 by 200 mm photo format.

https://preview.redd.it/1gtze19doq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fccd30c0c46e593f866289032ce6517fbd059b65

The first assembly of the photo frame didn't go entirely smoothly either. I expected the connections would need some filing, but even after that, the fit wasn't perfect. When designing the models, I should have left a gap of at least 0.2-0.3 mm at all contact points between parts. What I didn't expect was that the maze would be visible when held up to the light.

Next, I needed to make a key piece for the puzzle—a cylinder with a ball-shaped top served this purpose. I glued a 5 mm magnet into the base of the cylinder, and to prevent the piece from getting lost, I made a storage compartment in the upper part of the frame. A couple more magnets were glued in there to securely hold the contents inside.

https://preview.redd.it/bjakkd3foq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c58c2ff0fe251c3d883e13197119b9c4a0358b7a

Additionally, I added hanging points for wall mounting and a stand, like a real photo frame. I made the stand's pin from a straightened paper clip. The wire is inserted through a special channel from the box side.

https://preview.redd.it/8z6gnpqioq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=988913830f21ded78fb8b880cad4c01b6f02d914

The result was a set of 14 parts ready for painting: the maze, maze cover, 5 frame fragments, a pair of slides, a box combined with the upper part of the frame, a stand tongue, a pair of key pieces (one spare), and a cover for the key storage compartment. Plus 10 identical magnets: 2 are glued into the key pieces, 4 into the key storage compartment, 2 into the compartment cover, and two more will freely travel through the maze.

https://preview.redd.it/e5md1cjkoq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=266a413d1126e544793703fc37348471d65f1283

To open the frame, you need to take such a "free" magnet, place it in the hole at the bottom of the frame, and use the key piece to guide the magnet through the maze by feel, turning the slide at the end. Then you'll have to go through the maze again to reach the second slide.

https://preview.redd.it/qmsx2tvmoq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7671b933586c06ce87a22c53c7ad660983735e87

https://preview.redd.it/c55feghnoq9d1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=326f6f26ae718f4a6e3f2505faa607c27ae8b93c

Rough estimates put the work on the puzzle at about 60 hours of tinkering with Fusion 360 in the evenings (I don't know much about 3D modeling), but in reality, it stretched out over almost half a year. In many ways, it was a first attempt with some flaws, but despite the mistakes, the project was a success. I finished it in time for Christmas and hid musical tickets inside. The maze photo frame delighted someone close to me, and that's the main thing.

Bring joy to your loved ones, friends.

submitted by /u/Santry_1304
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A fix for a broken car backup camera mechanism

A fix for a broken car backup camera mechanism

Volkswagens have this nice feature, where the camera hides behind the VW badge. It's nice because that way it's always clean without ever needing to touch it. Unfortunately, it can clearly break. I did initially ask a service center for a diagnosis. They did figure out the problem, but would only swap the entire housing including logo and the camera. The quote was a 1000€. Insanity. The camera works fine, it's just this small piece of plastic that's the problem. So I drew the model and paid one local Guy 10€ to print it for me. I don't have a printer, and library only has PLA. This is made from PETG.

submitted by /u/Bondator
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